General Care Discussion :: New turtle sick?

[hi9215]

I have two turtles, Riley and Audrey. So basically, I got Riley, a baby RES turtle, about a month ago, and she's doing fine. She eats and basks and swims around actively like a normal turtle. But then, I just got another baby RES turtle a few days ago, Audrey, and she at first, was really active (for the first day), but then the day after that all she's done is sleep and close her eyes a lot. She goes on the basking spot really often (even when the basking light is off) and doesn't get off even when I come near. When I pick her up she doesn't react much and opens only one eye to look at me. She hasn't eaten at all since I got her, but I figured that was normal because it took Riley a week to start eating and to get used to the environment. Anyway, I noticed that Audrey (when she's in the water), opens her mouth a lot like she's eating. Riley, who had never opened her mouth except when eating started doing that too, and it looks like she's coughing. Are they sick? Should I be worried? The temperature in there is about 78 degrees and the basking spot is 90, I have a UV lighting in there as well. Sorry, I'm new to this forums and turtles in general. Anyways, thanks!

[steve]

Hi, I would first suggest that you keep them separate. Have the water and basking area a bit warmer for Audrey. I would also do whatever you can to entice her to eat ASAP - live guppies or minnows might help. You can also give her some warm soaks (water and unflavored Pedialyte 1:1) and leave in some crumbled up pellets (so she might some while she drinks).

[hi9215]

Thanks for your help! But how do you warm water without a water heater?

[steve]

How is it warmed now? Room temperature?

[hi9215]

No, I have a water heater in the tank.

[steve]

Does it have an adjustable thermostat? Try to get it to eat quickly though.

[hi9215]

No, it doesn't adjust, but I use that heater for Riley. She's still not eating. She has mucus coming out of her nose now, should I just go see a vet?

[Tampa Bay Turtle Fan]

Sorry for not seeing this thread earlier however yes as recommended by Steve that isolation and for sure now increasing the heat would be mandatory and ordered by a exotic veterinarian. The turtle at this point of the mucus requires immediate exotic veterinarian medical attention. I recommend with me while going to college and working with a exotic vet many moons ago sort of speak, that when ever you see mucus it is a sign of a parasitic illness where tiny multiple bubbles is a indication of upper respiratory infections. Sometimes reptiles can display both of these symptoms at once also though it was not commonly observed by me at the animal clinic, I did see this mainly in snakes.

Either one of these issues can spread to other reptiles if in the same enclosure and without medical from a exotic veterinarian when these symptoms occur, it can unfortunately result in death of not only the one which has the symptoms but the others in the same enclosure if no medical procedures occur. I would recommend to sterilize everything carefully in the original enclosure and treatment enclosure now, during and prior to re introducing of the turtles together after medical treatment is completed. Regarding food, I have always given thawed out blood worms for a finicky or non eating turtle. I never ever seen a a healthy baby turtle refuse them,